Karen Pilcher Mackey, 53, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2019 surrounded by her family after a brief, yet very courageous, battle with cancer. Visitation will be held at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services for Karen will be held Friday, March 22, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home. Officiating will be Craig Kennedy and Meredith Hanna, who serve as chaplains of the Shreveport Fire Department. Interment will follow at Centuries Memorial Cemetery.
Karen was a life-long resident of Shreveport, Louisiana, though her favorite place to be was with family and friends at the beach with her toes in the sand. Karen’s life was dedicated to her precious family, friends, and the citizens of Shreveport. She was a Fire Communications Officer with the Shreveport Fire Department for many years, which led her to meet and marry her loving and devoted husband, James Michael “Mike” Mackey, who never left Karen’s side during her five-month battle with cancer.
The light of Karen’s life was her family, especially her great-nieces, Olivia and Hollis, who she loved fiercely as her own. Karen was lovingly referred to as “KaKa” by Olivia and Hollis, as well as her grand-children, Emory, Georgia, and Deacon, and great-nephew, Beckham. Karen loved them all beyond measure and took great joy in their lives. Karen made every occasion special. She made every memory shine. From holidays to birthdays, her infectious smile, joyful spirit, and loving heart made everything brighter. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Karen was born on January 25, 1966 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Grace Santone Pilcher and William E. Pilcher. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved Cocker Spaniels, Bosley and Ennzo. She is survived by her husband, James Michael “Mike” Mackey; her brother, Gary M. Pilcher, Sr. and his wife, Tobie; nephew, Gary M. Pilcher, Jr., and his wife, Catherine; niece, Meagan Pilcher Defauw, and her husband, David; great-nieces, Olivia Riley Roberson and Hollis Ann Defauw; step-children, Justin E. Mackey, and his wife, Megan, and their children Emory, Georgia, and Deacon, and Brittany L. Mackey; sister-in-law, Pamela S. Mackey, and her children, Bobby “Trey” Smith, III, and his wife, Harley, and their son, Beckham, and Braelyn G. Smith; and best friend since their days at Caddo Magnet High School, Rachel M. Provenza.
Pallbearers will be Craig Bynog, Jeff Cash, Derrick Cooper, Damon Johnson, Tony Moffett, Kyle Newton, Joe Norris, and Brian Williams. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Karen’s “Crew,” the Shreveport Fire Department Communications Shift 2.
The family would like to extend their greatest gratitude to the following for their love, support, and compassion throughout this difficult time: Dr. Robert J. Massingill, Christus Highland CPCU nurses and staff, Caddo Fire District 6, the Shreveport Fire Department and Life Air.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations should be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization that Karen held close to her heart.
